Inter will host Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night, seeking to avenge the 2-0 defeat they received in the reverse fixture a couple of weeks ago.
The Nerazzurri have been in sparkling form domestically of late, picking up seven wins on the bounce, the latest of which was a spectacular 5-0 drubbing of Genoa.
Here’s a look at how they could line up for the crucial Group B clash:
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Samir Handanovic (GK): The Slovenian has been at his assured best this season, conceding the fewest goals in Serie A with six, two less than Juventus.
Sime Vrsaljko (RB): After sitting out his side’s 5-0 win over Genoa, the Croatian should be fully rested to regain his spot from Danilo D’Ambrosio.
Miranda (CB): One of the tougher decisions Luciano Spalletti will face ahead of this game will be picking between the veteran Brazilian defender and Stefan de Vrij. Both have been impressive, but Miranda gets the nod here thanks to experience and some rest on the weekend.
Milan Skriniar (CB): While the man next to him in the rearguard has been regularly rotated, Skriniar has been a constant in the Inter backline – playing all 270 minutes in the Champions League thus far.
Kwadwo Asamoah (LB): Though the former Juve man hasn’t always been at his best this season, he should regain his place from the comparatively inexperienced Dalbert for this clash.
2. Midfielders
Matias Vecino (DM): The 27-year-old Uruguayan was rested over the weekend, but should be restored to the side in his defensive role with the anticipated reversion to the 4-2-3-1 that Inter operate with when Radja Nainggolan is fit.
Marcelo Brozovic (DM): Executor of the infamous under the wall free-kick block on Luis Suarez, Brozovic will likely be asked to perform a more combative role this week in a two-man anchor.
Roberto Gagliardini (RM): Fresh off a brace against Genoa, the 24-year-old Italian should’ve done enough to maintain his presence in the starting XI for Barça’s visit, despite Joao Mario’s resurgence.
Radja Nainggolan (CAM): After a goalscoring return to action on Saturday, the Belgian, whose absence was so key to Inter’s bluntness in the reverse fixture, will be integral this time out.
Ivan Perisic (LM): The Croat has not been at his most influential and unstoppable this campaign, but he is still one of the most clutch players around, so is a certain starter.
3. Forward
Mauro Icardi (ST): The form striker in world football right now, Icardi should be raring to go for this game after a timely rest on Saturday. He will be squaring up against the only real competitor for this crown in Luis Suarez, but with six scores in his last four, he’ll fancy his chances.
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